GAZ Group has revealed that production of the CITYMAX-9, a new mid-size city bus, will commence in the fourth quarter of 2022. This signals a strategic step for the company as it expands its lineup of urban transportation solutions to meet evolving passenger needs across markets in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
The CITYMAX-9 marks the debut model in a new generation of GAZ Group buses. The company outlines a future pathway that includes vehicles ranging from 9 to 19 meters in length and carrying between 70 and 200 passengers. The scaling plan envisions production across the company’s entire bus manufacturing network, underscoring the model as a cornerstone of a broader family designed to modernize urban fleets and improve operational efficiency for operators in diverse regions.
As the first rear-engined model in GAZ Group’s current catalog, the CITYMAX-9 is built on a unified platform that will serve as the foundation for additional models introduced later. With a length of 9 meters and a passenger capacity of 77, the CITYMAX-9 emphasizes a substantial low-floor area, delivering enhanced accessibility and comfortable boarding for riders as part of its design principles.
Initial production will rely on a YAMZ-534 diesel engine paired with a GAZ automatic transmission. The choice of this propulsion system aligns with the immediate market demand and reliability expectations for mid-sized urban buses. Looking ahead, the company plans to broaden the CITYMAX-9 lineup with alternative powertrains, including gas and electric options, to meet evolving environmental standards and operator preferences. GAZ Group also notes that the localization level for YaMZ-powered buses is expected to reach about 90 percent, reflecting an emphasis on domestic supply chains and local component integration where feasible.
In related disclosures, GAZ Group has previously announced intentions to begin producing the Sobol NN model by the end of 2022, signaling a broader expansion strategy that encompasses both conventional diesel-powered offerings and newer, potentially more flexible platforms for future urban mobility solutions. The overall plan highlights a push toward versatility in the urban bus segment, with a clear focus on expanding product breadth, enhancing serviceability, and aligning with evolving regulatory environments and customer requirements across key markets.
Industry observers note that introducing the CITYMAX-9 on a shared platform provides a scalable path for future model development. Operators seeking to refresh fleets or extend service life may benefit from the bus’s substantial low-floor area, which improves passenger flow and accessibility. The combination of practical design, modular platform architecture, and a diversified powertrain strategy positions the CITYMAX-9 as a competitive option for cities investing in modern, efficient, and adaptable public transportation solutions. As the model ramps up production, fleets in North America and other regions could see a new mid-size bus that balances maneuverability with generous passenger capacity, aimed at high-demand routes and urban corridors.